Conor McGregor: ‘Me and Nate Diaz will throw down again, 100 percent’ for the UFC lightweight title

UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor will not return to the Octagon soon after revealing that a fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. is his main priority. However, “The Notorious” claimed that a third bout with Nate Diaz will absolutely happen.

“Don’t get me wrong, me and Nate will throw down again, 100 percent,” McGregor said. “It’s one apiece. We’ll finish it off. I’d imagine it will be for the lightweight world title, 155. It could be like a skeleton wrapped in cling film. If his team is wise, they’ll talk him out of it. They’ll say, ‘you’ve made some money, your face is drooping to the left, your speech is slurred. Chill now. Enjoy the money.’ But they’re not the most intelligent people, so I’m sure me and Nate will go again.”

The rivalry between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz became one of the biggest MMA storylines in 2016. No one predicted the matchup since Diaz only served as a replacement for Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC 196. However, Diaz, who was the underdog heading into the event, embarrassed the Irish fighter via second-round submission.

McGregor demanded a rematch which was originally scheduled to take place at UFC 200. Unfortunately, “The Notorious” was pulled out from the bout after failing to fulfill media obligations. Still, the rematch took place at UFC 202 where McGregor won via unanimous decision.

As much as both fighters want to settle their score, UFC president Dana White won’t allow Conor McGregor to fight at welterweight. White believes that it would be best for him to stay at featherweight or lightweight. The welterweight division is obviously not for McGregor as he fails to unleash his full potential in the Octagon.

At UFC 205, McGregor succeeded to make history after defeating Eddie Alvarez for the lightweight belt. He became the first MMA fighter to hold two belts simultaneously. Unfortunately, his reign didn’t last long after the UFC forced him to relinquish the featherweight belt.

Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz trilogy bout could happen at 155

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson are set to face at UFC 209 for the interim lightweight title. As most people expect, Conor McGregor needs to fight the winner of the bout to unify the belt. Although, McGregor insists on fighting in the boxing ring. Dana White, UFC president has strongly disagreed with the plan.

“I’ve always shown Conor nothing but respect, and if he wants to go down that road with us, let me tell you, it will be an epic fall,” White told MMAjunkie. If McGregor successfully defends his title against Nurmagomedov or Ferguson, there is a higher possibility that Nate Diaz will challenge him for the title next. Diaz didn’t fight since August 2016 and has long been waiting for McGregor’s return.